Detailed instructions on how to turn any Android device into a full-fledged Linux computer.
How to install Linux on an Android smartphone or tablet
Running Linux on Android is possible! And you don't need a rooted device for this: all the software you need is available in the official Google Play store. In just 10-15 minutes you can get an operating system that differs from Android in advanced functionality.
Note: if you follow our instructions, the Linux OS will run in a virtual environment. Android will continue to run in the background. It would be wrong to call such a system complete. Nevertheless, she copes well with the list of common tasks.
Before installing, close all unnecessary applications and clear the RAM of your Android device.
1. Install GNURoot Debian and XServer XSDL from google play store.
2. Before starting Linux installation, make sure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Start GNURoot. The download of the required environment packages will begin.
How to install Linux on Android
Installation takes from 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the speed of your Internet connection. Ignore the creeping lines until the following inscription appears:
root @ localhost: / #
Let this line not scare those familiar with the concept of "root-rights": the application will not cause any harm to the device, since it works in the "sandbox".
3. Enter the following command:
apt-get update
Wait for the packages to download. This will be indicated by the line Reading package lists… Done.
4. Now enter one more line:
apt-get upgrade
To the question "Do you want to continue?" type the English letter Y and press Enter. The installation of the packages will begin.
Installing packages
This time, the installation procedure will take a little longer. Wait patiently for the end of the installation until the coveted line appears:
root @ localhost: / #
The Debian Linux environment is installed, and now you can proceed to deploy the graphical shell.
5. Installation of all packages of the Linux distribution is performed with the following command:
apt-get install lxde
There is also an option to install the system kernel using the line:
apt-get install lxde-core
Confirm the installation by retyping Y and pressing the Enter key. The package download procedure will begin.
During installation, make sure that all files have been downloaded successfully, and that when unpacking, your device does not run out of free space. Otherwise, starting the system will end with an error.
6. To complete the installation of the operating system, you need to download three additional utilities:
XTerm - for accessing the terminal from the Linux graphical shell;
Synaptic Package Manager - for managing apt packages and downloading applications;
Pulseaudio - for installing sound drivers.
All three utilities are installed with a single GNURoot terminal command:
apt-get install xterm synaptic pulseaudio
About 260 MB of data will be downloaded to the device.
7. Now minimize the GNURoot application and open the previously installed XServer XSDL. Agree to download additional fonts. After the installation is complete, tap the screen several times (the application will prompt you to select the resolution and font size - it all depends on your preferences) until you see a splash screen with a blue background and white text.
How to install Linux on an Android smartphone or tablet
Restart GNURoot and enter the following two commands in turn:
The sequence of further restarting the system (when you want to reopen Linux) looks like this: start XServer XSDL and wait for a blue screen to appear, open GNURoot and enter the two above commands, return to XServer XSDL.
If the terminal swears at an invalid command, go back to step 5 of this manual and try installing the "bare" kernel. Check the memory status of your Android device.
8. Now open the XServer XSDL, wait a few seconds, and you have Linux ready to go.
Installing Linux on Android
To install applications, in the lower left corner, open the Start menu and select Run. Type Synaptic and press Enter.
Installing Applications
In the window that opens, use the search and install the required applications. This can be the Firefox browser, the GIMP image editor, the Libre office suite, and other Linux-compatible programs.
Linux applicationsGraphical editor in Linux
Of course, this option for installing Linux cannot be called a full-fledged launch of the operating system on Android. Virtual Linux has several limitations, but when using a wireless mouse and keyboard (it is also possible to connect using an OTG adapter and a USB hub), you can turn your smartphone or tablet into a laptop with the functionality of an adult OS.
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